Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment. Even with modern antiemetic protocols, many patients experience breakthrough nausea that pharmacology doesn't fully control. Acupressure — specifically stimulation of the PC6 point — has been studied in this context more rigorously than in nearly any other application, with multiple randomized controlled trials and explicit endorsement from the US National Cancer Institute.
This page focuses on CINV and cancer-related fatigue specifically. The site also has a general cancer support acupressure page covering the broader picture. What follows is the specific clinical evidence and practical protocol for nausea during and after chemotherapy infusion.
Safety note: Always consult your oncologist or oncology nurse before adding any complementary therapy during treatment. Acupressure is a supportive self-care tool — it does not interact with chemotherapy agents, and no evidence suggests it interferes with treatment. But your care team needs to know everything you're doing. The points described here are safe for external self-application.
The Evidence Is Unusually Strong
PC6 (Pericardium 6, Neiguan) for nausea is one of the most replicated findings in acupressure research. The mechanism — stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist affecting the vomiting reflex centre — has been studied directly. Multiple independent RCTs have confirmed the effect. This is not speculative or anecdote-driven.
Key studies: PMID 17146420 found PC6 acupressure effective for chemotherapy-induced vomiting resistant to standard pharmacological antiemetic protocols. PMID 24787745 (2014 RCT, breast cancer patients) found P6 acupressure reduced both CINV and anxiety during chemotherapy. PMID 19748316 found wristband-style acupressure devices (Sea-Bands) reduced CINV episodes. The NCI (cancer.gov) explicitly covers auricular acupressure for CINV, citing an RCT of 48 breast cancer patients showing significant nausea reduction.
These studies use the same physiological mechanism as self-applied finger pressure. The wristband delivery format (Sea-Bands) has its own evidence base — continuous low-level stimulation of PC6 throughout the infusion and post-infusion period.
The Points
PC6 / Neiguan — Inner Gate (Primary CINV Point)
Location: Three finger-widths above the inner wrist crease, between the two central tendons of the forearm (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis). Press into the space between the tendons.
What it does: PC6 is the primary point for all forms of nausea — motion sickness, post-surgical nausea, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-related nausea. Stimulation of PC6 activates the median nerve and modulates the area postrema (vomiting centre) in the brainstem. The effect is dose-dependent — more stimulation (longer duration, firmer pressure, bilateral application) produces more effect. Press firmly for 2–3 minutes per side, every 2–4 hours as needed. Also see the nausea acupressure guide for the full protocol across all nausea types.
Sea-Band wristbands provide continuous PC6 stimulation via a plastic stud that rests over the point. They're available at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and most large Canadian pharmacies — typically $15–25 CAD. Many oncology nurses already recommend them; they have no side effects and can be worn during infusion. Wearing them starting 30–60 minutes before chemotherapy and continuing for 24 hours post-infusion corresponds to the protocol used in the most cited trials. The same bands are sold for motion sickness and pregnancy nausea and work by the same mechanism.
ST36 / Zusanli — Leg Three Miles
Location: 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, 1 finger-width lateral from the shinbone (tibial crest), in the tibialis anterior muscle.
What it does: ST36 is the primary anti-fatigue and immune-support point in acupressure. For cancer patients experiencing treatment-related fatigue — one of the most common and debilitating chemotherapy side effects — ST36 has the most relevant evidence. Multiple studies on acupressure for cancer-related fatigue have focused on ST36. In TCM, it tonifies Qi and Blood, strengthens the digestive system (whose function is often compromised during treatment), and supports immunity. Press for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per side, once or twice daily. Many patients report a warm, energized sensation following stimulation — the point feels tender when the body is depleted.
SP6 / Sanyinjiao — Three Yin Intersection
Location: 3 cun above the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus), against the inner edge of the shinbone.
What it does: SP6 addresses nausea, digestive disruption, fatigue, and the anxiety that often accompanies treatment. It's the intersection of three yin meridians (Spleen, Liver, Kidney) and supports the Spleen's digestive function — particularly relevant when chemotherapy disrupts appetite and gut motility. SP6 also helps with insomnia, which is nearly universal among cancer patients on treatment. Use 60–90 seconds per side. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
CV12 / Zhongwan — Middle Cavity
Location: On the midline of the upper abdomen, halfway between the navel and the base of the sternum (breastbone).
What it does: CV12 is the Front-Mu (alarm) point of the Stomach — it directly calms the digestive system, reduces nausea, and soothes the upper gastrointestinal tract. For patients experiencing nausea after treatment, gentle palm pressure at CV12 (not sharp fingertip pressure — the area may be sensitive) combined with slow breathing can help calm the stomach response. Useful in the hours immediately after an infusion when nausea peaks.
ST25 / Tianshu — Heaven's Pivot
Location: 2 cun lateral from the navel, on both sides (two points).
What it does: ST25 is the Front-Mu point of the Large Intestine and regulates bowel function. Chemotherapy commonly causes both constipation (from antiemetic medications like ondansetron) and diarrhea (from certain chemotherapy agents directly). ST25 has a bidirectional regulatory effect on bowel motility in TCM and appears in multiple gastrointestinal protocols. Apply gentle bilateral pressure for 60 seconds, 1–2 times daily. Particularly useful 2–3 days post-infusion when bowel disruption is most common.
Auricular Points: Stomach, Shenmen, Sympathetic
Location: Ear acupressure (auriculotherapy) uses specific reflex zones on the outer ear. The Stomach point is in the central ear cavity (cymba conchae). Shenmen (ear) is at the apex of the triangular fossa — a small notch near the top-inner ear. The Sympathetic point is inside the antihelix, in the lower inferior crura region.
What they do: The NCI-cited RCT specifically studied auricular acupressure for CINV in breast cancer patients, applying seeds (vaccaria seeds or small metal beads taped over the points) to the ear Stomach, Shenmen, and Sympathetic points. Patients pressed each point 3 times daily. The trial found significant reduction in nausea relative to the control group. Ear seeds are available from acupuncturists, some health food stores, and online — they're inexpensive and can be self-applied once a practitioner shows you the points initially. This is worth discussing with your care team as an add-on to standard antiemetic protocol.
A Practical Protocol for Chemo Patients
- Before your infusion: Put Sea-Band wristbands on both wrists 30–60 minutes before treatment. Press PC6 bilaterally for 2 minutes before entering the clinic.
- During infusion: Sea-Bands continue stimulating PC6 throughout. Focus on slow breathing. Press ST36 for 90 seconds per side if you have access to your legs.
- Post-infusion (first 24 hours): Keep Sea-Bands on. Press CV12 gently if nausea peaks. Use SP6 before sleep for insomnia and nausea together.
- Fatigue days (day 3–10 post-treatment): Focus on ST36 twice daily. SP6 once daily. These are the points with the most evidence for cancer-related fatigue management.
What Acupressure Won't Do
Acupressure does not affect the tumour. It does not interact with chemotherapy agents. It does not treat cancer or reduce its recurrence. The evidence is specifically for symptom management — nausea, fatigue, anxiety — during and after treatment. These are real and meaningful outcomes: better nausea control means better nutritional intake, which matters for treatment tolerance and recovery. But the scope is clearly supportive, not therapeutic.
Some patients find that combining acupressure with standard antiemetics (ondansetron, metoclopramide, dexamethasone) produces better control than either approach alone. This is consistent with the research — the PC6 trials were generally add-on studies where acupressure was added to standard care, not used as a replacement.
Canadian Cancer Support Resources
The Canadian Cancer Society maintains complementary therapy resources for patients. BC Cancer Agency integrative oncology services are available to BC patients. Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in Toronto has one of Canada's most developed integrative oncology programs, including acupuncture services for active patients. If you're in a major Canadian centre, ask your oncology team specifically about integrative oncology services — many cancer centres now have them.
For Sea-Band wristbands and ear seeds: Sea-Bands are stocked at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, and most major Canadian pharmacy chains. Ear seeds are available from licensed acupuncturists and online (search "vaccaria ear seeds" for the standard clinical product).